Edward G. Robinson: Lancey Howard

The Cincinnati Kid

Lancey Howard

Lancey Howard: Gets down to what it's all about, doesn't it? Making the wrong move at the right time.
Cincinnati Kid: Is that what it's all about?
Lancey Howard: Like life, I guess. You're good, kid, but as long as I'm around you're second best. You might as well learn to live with it.

Shooter: Well, Lancey, are we all set for Monday night?
Lancey Howard: Uh-huh.
Shooter: I can get Lady Fingers to come.
Lancey Howard: Lady Fingers? I haven't seen that old bitch - oh, it must be at least ten years;long enough to think of her almost fondly.

Lancey Howard: [to Cincinnati Kid] You're good, kid, but as long as I'm around, you're only second best.

Slade: How the hell did you know I didn't have the king or the ace?
Lancey Howard: I recollect a young man putting the same question to Eddie the Dude. "Son," Eddie told him, "all you paid was the looking price. Lessons are extra."

Lancey Howard: Women are a universal problem in our business. Of course, uh, it's purely an academic question with me now, but, looking back, I think it's best not to look for a fixed thing. Just tie into something nice when you're away from the action and let it wear itself out.

Slade: Six stacks, is that right, Shooter?
Shooter: Six.
Slade: Well, we've been playing 30 hours... uh, that rate, six thousand, that makes roughly, uh, $200 an hour. Thank you for the entertainment, gentlemen. I am particularly grateful to Lancey, here; it's been a rewarding experience to watch a great artist at work. Thank you for the privilege, sir.
Lancey Howard: Well now, you're quite welcome, son. It's a pleasure to meet someone who understands that to the true gambler, money is never an end in itself, it's simply a tool, as a language is to thought. Good evening, uh... Mr. Slade.
Slade: Good evening, Mr. Howard.

Lancey Howard: [thinking on what he said to Lady Fingers] No, Lady; he hasn't gotten to me. Not yet; but he might, he just might.

Shooter: You've been the man for a long time...
Lancey Howard: That is undoubtedly true but don't let that fool you. I'm not ready to retire yet.

Shooter: Gentlemen, this game is five-card stud poker. There's no limit. No string bets. You can check and raise. A dead man has one half-hour to raise his roll outside and get back in the game.
[deals]
Shooter: Ace. Seven. Nine. Nine. Trey. Dealer guns up a 10. Ace bets.
Lancey Howard: Ten dollars.
Sokal: Call the sawbuck.
Yeller: I'll play.
Cincinnati Kid: I'm in.
Pig: Off and running.
Shooter: Dealer folds.
[deals]
Shooter: Eight to the ace. King to the seven. Queen to the nine. Pair of nines. Deuce. Pair of nines bets.
Cincinnati Kid: Double sawbuck.
Pig: I don't chase the nines.
Lancey Howard: Hold.
Sokal: I fold.
Shooter: [deals new game] Queen. Four. Ten. King. King. And an ace to the man.
Lancey Howard: Ace bets $25.
Yeller: And I can't get started.